You know the feeling of standing on a cliff and beginning to lose your balance? Your toes curl in, arms fly out, adrenaline surges, and your only thought is to reverse direction and find solid ground? Training camp felt a lot like that. It was difficult and draining but I would not change anything about it.
The first couple days of camp focused on spiritual formation. We honed in on our relationship with God, allowing him to mold us for effective ministry. I was brought to a place where I felt I had nothing to give my squad or the people I will meet in the coming months. The identity I had created for myself was not based in Christ, he tore down my idea of myself and left me feeling bare. In that place of searching for something to offer, God blew me away by telling me that I am right where he wants me. He loves me as I am now, and will continue to show me the woman that he created me to be.
Around day 4 and 5 we started receiving more practical advice for ministry. We practiced prayer ministry training by ministering to each other and learned how to effectively encourage and keep each other accountable through feedback. In short, feedback is a way to winsomely call each other out on our failings and push one another toward a higher standard. Team formation was another key part of these days. I never realized how difficult lowering a stupid hula hoop to the floor could be when you are trying to work with six people and keep contact with the hoop.
These were the days when I grew closer to a lot of people on the squad.
Thursday was the much anticipated day of learning our teams! In the short amount of time that I have known each person I have see unique gifts and abilities in each one them. It will be great to grow alongside each one of them, we are a multi-dimensional team with a lot of different talents and personalities. Here is my team from L to R around the table: Me, Josh, Sam, Mackenzie, Megan, Henry, and Grace.
Arriving home last Saturday I quickly took a real shower, greeted my family, and of course, snuggled a bit with our family mascot.
I leave for Launch in 31 days! If you have any questions or just want to chat I would love talking with you!
